Known for his role as the drummer Mick Shrimpton in the mockumentary ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ Ric Parnell recently passed away at 70.
‘This Is Spinal Tap’ is a mockumentary written and directed by Rob Reiner. It subjected the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap, nicknamed one of England’s loudest bands. It was released in 1984 and gave Ric Parnell, the drummer of the fictional band, his fame, and fortune.
Before becoming a film star in the mockumentary, Parnell was the drummer for the rock band Atomic Rooster. He initially stayed two months with Atomic Rooster but later returned for their last two albums, to which he contributed. The band folded in 1983, and the drummer decided to take on another career road combining his music with his acting.
‘This Is Spinal Tap’ earned culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant titles in 2002 by the Library of Congress. Parnell became more known for his role as the drummer of the fictional band than as a drummer of the Atomic Rooster.
Unfortunately, bad news came on May 1 that he passed away at 70. His friends and colleagues were naturally upset, and his friend and collaborator Deniz Tek made an emotional announcement on the day from his Facebook account.
Here is how Deniz Tek stated his sadness:
“Ric Parnell died early this morning.
From day one of meeting him, I found him to be engaging, warm, and delightfully funny. We hit it off as pals immediately. He had a cheerful spirit that made you feel good just by being around him.
Ric’s amazing history in the music world is well known. I had the great good fortune to work with Ric on three albums. Studio time was casual, fun, and scattered with stories and humor. Ric never actually prepared for a session but would come up with the beat and the arrangement on the spot.”
He continued:
“He would say, ‘How does this next song go?’ I’d play it to him on a guitar, and he’d think about it for a minute. Then he would say, ‘Right! Got something.’ Then he would nail it in one or two takes, and it was as perfect as it gets.
Ric was one of a kind. He lives on in his music and our hearts.”
Aside from Atomic Rooster, Ric Parnell worked with and drummed for Radio Birdman’s founder Deniz Tek. They worked on the 2013 album, ‘Detroit,’ the 2016 album, ‘Mean Old Twister,’ and the 2018 album, ‘Lost for Words.’
